An Irishman Abroad

Ever wanted to know what Ireland’s greatest athlete regards as the most vital knowledge she has accumulated over the years? Well in this week’s episode Jarlath asks Sonia that very question. The answers can’t but surprise and help you.  Speaking to us from her new home for the next two weeks, Sonia tells us what living in a quarantine hotel is really like. Together Jarlath and Sonia assess a difficulty for a lot of people and talk about the first Irishman Running Abroad Challenge in aid of our chosen charity partner Jigsaw.ie.  Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit t

Brian Pennie poses the question 'how would you live your life differently if life gave you a second chance?' Brian’s drug addiction was so severe that he was deemed too much of a risk for detox. In this rare conversation, he tells his incredible story of rebuilding his world from the depths of addiction, crippling anxiety through to the most unlikely recovery journey. Jarlath asks Brian about the significance of gratitude and how a lack of awareness while suffering with addiction was preventing him from reaching a place of appreciation. We also find out the subtle impact of being a 'black belt in self-deception.' Brian explains how a traumatic surgery as a child has impacted on his life and much more, this is the perfect conversation to listen to on a week where Ireland continues to bare the weight of the pandemic. This is just a taster. To hear this episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a

It doesn’t matter what your level of running experience most people want go faster. Fresh off completing his first 10K, Jarlath gets into why and how we can all run better times. There’s news on the next Irishman Running Abroad event on October 31st and a little functional fashion advice from Sonia.  Dressing for the changing weather is essential to avoid picking up a chill when running in these months. Jarlath gets ridiculed for his choice of shorts and the most inside baseball pro-top for keeping your feet warm is revealed by Sonia (Patreon edition only).   Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad To hear the full length version of this episode and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them s

The award-winning journalist Mark Tighe is the co-author of the best-selling sports boom of 2020, 'Champagne Football - John Delaney and the betrayal of Irish football: the inside story.'   This week, Mark joined Jarlath to offer a rare inside look into the dark and shocking world of the FAI during it's time under John Delaney's reign as CEO.   Mark goes deep into the story of Delaney's infamous 50th birthday party and why he opened with this bizarre scene.  He tells us about those inside the FAI who failed in their responsibility to keep Delaney 'in check'. Jarlath quizzes Mark on how journalists lived in fear of Delaney, the work already going into bringing this book to the big screen, Mark's own journey into journalism and more. There’s also news on Jarlath’s new challenge to raise funds for Jigsaw.   This is just a taster. To hear this episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every mon

A special World Mental Health Week episode where Jarlath asks Sonia about her mental wellness during her career. Sonia opens up for the first time about the deep lows that followed the huge highs of her career and the lack of understanding during the 90s on the issue.  There’s a big announcement about a running challenge that listeners can join in with to make a huge difference for our chosen charity partner Jigsaw.ie and young people across Ireland.  Later in the episode we get a special bonus interview with the author of The Running Book - John Connell. Don’t forget our next event is this weekend. Download and listen to hear it all.  Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad To hear the full length version of this episode and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsa

How do you go from Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, to working for CNN investigating Russian interference in the 2016 American Presidential Election? Well, Donie O'Sullivan did just that and this week he joined Jarlath to tell his incredible story. Today his focus is upon the ways in which Trump and Biden are using social media in their  campaigns. Donie speaks to Jarlath about this bizarre process and later in the discussion, they discuss the attempts by Trump to influence violent groups to take action (51:00). Donie gives his thoughts on the wider responsibilities of social media platforms (30:00) and the aspects of social media that are most concerning to him (58:00). From his hilarious story about an article published about him in a local Kerry newspaper (13:00) to his perspective on the #MeToo movement and what it was like working in the media at the time it all started (35:00) and much more, this is a hilarious and engaging conversation with a true talent of Irish journalism. This is just a taster. To hear t

To mark World Mental Health Day we have gathered together some of the most enlightening and heartfelt moments of honesty on the subject of mental wellness. To start off Jarlath has the tables turned on him as Jen Trzeciak of Jigsaw.ie asks the questions. For the first time Jarlath opens up about his own mental health journey and challenges he finds toughest as a parent trying to guide his son through life and the pandemic. Jarlath and Jen talk about the incredible work that Jigsaw does, then in the second half of the show we hear from Bob Geldof, Blindboy Boatclub, Marian Keyes, Jason McAteer, Caroline Foran and Richie Sadlier. As the e-Mental Health Manager Jen Trzeciak is responsible for and central to the work Jigsaw does to help young people in Ireland. In a first for the series, Jarlath opens up about his own mental health struggles and Jen gives some priceless advice to parents looking to protect the mental health of their children. In the second half Bob Geldof speaks about letting the light back in

In this latest instalment of An Irishman Running Abroad, Sonia O'Sullivan announces our next event, discusses her recent secretive London Marathon experience and explains the fascinating reason why she is currently in Spain working alongside future record holders. As always, Sonia gives Jarlath her invaluable advice on how to take things to the next level, discusses the surprising advantages of running in the rain and the potential pitfalls of posting each run on social media. To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation. For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twit

This week Jarlath is joined by legendary writer Paul Howard. Having made his first appearance on the podcast over 5 years ago, Paul rejoins us to talk about his new book 'Braywatch' and to have a rare in-depth discussion about his time spent as a sports writer. Paul speaks Frankly about his relationship with Ross (5:00), the fit of optimism which resulted in him destroying 4,000 copies of his first self-published book (12:00) and the letter he received from Bray Chamber of Commerce which influenced him to write 'Braywatch' (17:00). Paul also tells us how Donald Trump once caused him to scrap a book! (29:00). In a fascinating discussion about his time spent as a sports writer, Paul explains how he could wallpaper his office wall with solicitor's letters received from Pat Hickey (1:01:00), why he resents his tax money going to the FAI (1:04:00), the incredible story about Sonia O'Sullivan's honesty (43:00), why he thinks Mick McCarthy tried to drive Roy Keane out (34:00) and much more. This is just a taster.

Navigating the technology options available to new and established runners can be as hard as running itself. That’s why this week Sonia and Jarlath invited Jess Kelly onto the show to break down a few basics and not so simple aspects of modern running gadgetry. Jess Kelly isn’t just one of the most respected tech journalists in Ireland, she makes the truly excellent Tech Talk radio show and podcast for Newstalk.  Check out the items recommended in the episode and a few other bonus tips by joining us on Strava.com/irishmanabroad and patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Jarlath also reveals how his first week under Sonia’s running plan went and how much he fears being murdered by a crazed listener. To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your peopl

Clare Dunne joins us this week to discuss the journey of writing, creating and starring in her first feature film “Herself”. Until now Clare was best known for work on stage but here for the first time she examines how her life as an actor almost never came to be. “Herself” is an up-lifting and heartbreaking story of a young Dublin mother attempting to escape her abusive partner and with the help of some friends building something they can rely upon. It sparks a discussion with Jarlath about the true meaning of Irish identity and its impact on every decision that went into making this critically acclaimed film (15:00). Clare speaks about the value of having Sharon Horgan in her corner (54:00), her rollercoaster of being broke one minute then on the set of Spiderman the next(48:00). In rare brutal detail Clare explains the lightning bolt that hit her while struggling to make ends meet in New York (43:00). This is one of those chats where you need to hear every single minute. This is just a taster. To hear th

If you’re just starting out or are a seasoned half marathon enthusiast you’re going to need Sonia’s advice on how to prepare a training plan. Fresh off the high of his first 5K, Jarlath asks Sonia about the come-down after an event that we might have pinned all our hopes upon. How do we survive success, find the next mountain and park the imagination when the next mountain looks remarkably similar to the last one.  Sonia looks at giving each run a purpose and explains the power of threshold training as she devises Jarlath's training plan. To see the plan, join our running club on strava.com/irishmanabroad. There’s even a brief trip down memory lane as Jarlath asks Sonia about seeing the Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range

This week, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor makes his much-anticipated return to An Irishman Abroad. A lot has happened in Tom's life and career since his first appearance on the show almost 7 years ago.  Tom tells us about his incredible Marvel experiences which includes a hilarious audition tape story (34:00) and he also details his role as Colm in Rialto and what it was like working alongside Peter Mackie Burns - the director who was not afraid to call bullshit on him (4:00). Tom opens up about his battle with nerves while staring in the one-man show Howie the Rookie (27:00), the challenge of finding a good work-life balance (49:00) before finally teasing his exciting new project Frank of Ireland alongside Domhnall and Brian Gleeson (59:00).  This is just a taster. To hear this episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 350 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Supplementary research provid

To honour and preserve the memory of Pat Smullen we are re-releasing his episode today. Pat wasn’t just a champion on the track he was a true gentleman and ambassador for courage in the face of tremendous adversity. Rest in peace Pat.  Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation. For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit www.jigser.com or email the show directly on irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com. Disclaimer: All materials contained within this podcast are copyright protected. Third party reuse and/or quotation in whole or in part is prohibited unless direct credit and/or hyperlink to the Irishman Abroad podcast is clearly and accurately provided.

In this latest instalment of An Irishman Running Abroad with Sonia O'Sullivan, Sonia and Jarlath open up the mailbag which is full to the brim of listener' questions. In response to your questions, Sonia addresses the phenomenon of the runner's high while also offering advice and her thoughts on common knee issues, shin splints, supplements, running in very high temperatures, how to change your gait and more. If you haven't yet signed up to Jarlath's first virtual run (The Ireland Funds 5K) on September 19th, you can do so here https://irelandfunds.org/g5k-2020/ To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit their website and consider m

John McGrath’s story has to be heard to be believed. A gold medal winner for Ireland in rowing, his career cut short by a horrendous back injury. For most that would be the end for John it was just the beginning. He went on a pilgrimage studying self-mastery and the power of the mind, learning how to harness the mind to push the body through the most extreme physical barriers. Under Bruce Lee’s teacher DoJuNum Ji, John earned his black belt in Hapkido and returned to compete for Ireland again as a martial artist. Again, for most people that would be enough. But John McGrath has never conformed.    For years he travelled the world again as a strong man literally bending steel with his mouth, tearing up phone books with his bare hands. On his return he established one of the most respected gyms in the country only for the crash to take it all away. Defeat isn’t in this man’s vocabulary. He upped sticks for South Africa where today he has built a life and business consulting, advising and coaching the everyone f

Running is mental. In this latest instalment of An Irishman Running Abroad with Sonia O'Sullivan, Sonia explains the importance of mental fitness, the challenge of getting out the door while also providing some nutrition advice ahead of a run. Sonia also discusses the phenomenon of being either a morning or evening runner, how therapy can be found in running before addressing the nose-or-mouth-breathing debate. Jarlath also gets embarrassed in front of the class! If you haven't yet signed up to Jarlath's first virtual run (The Ireland Funds 5K) on September 19th, you can do so here https://irelandfunds.org/g5k-2020/ To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to n

Physical artist Ronan Brady has toured the world and graced the biggest stages with his one of a kind cyr wheel performances. Today he joins Jarlath to discuss how he went from normality and comfort of being Roscommon county footballer and school teacher to a travelling circus act respected across the globe. Ronan opens up for the first time about his struggle to write his best-selling new book 'Worlds Apart' (www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Supplementary research provided by John Meagher.   Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation. For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit www.jigser.com or email the show directly on irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com. Disclaimer: All materials contained within this podcast are copyright protected. Third pa

Sonia gives us her expert tips on how to avoid injury, one thing that changes everything and she pushes Jarlath to announce his first running event. The Ireland Funds 5K on September 19th (https://irelandfunds.org/g5k-2020/) After your incredible response to the pilot episode of An Irishman Running Abroad last week, we are proud to bring you the inaugural episode of our new series with Sonia O'Sullivan. To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation. For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit jigser.com or email the show directly on irishmanabroadpodcast@g

This week, Jarlath is joined by Mundy for a rare and fascinating conversation about his life and career. Mundy opens up about the impact that meditation has had on his music (5:00), what life was like growing up in an Offaly pub with no routine (10:00) how he tested the energy of success by being an ass (15:00) and the moment he got his big break featuring on the Baz Luhrman 'Romeo and Juliet' soundtrack (21:00). From how parenthood made him feel low (31:00) to how he found LA overwhelming while trying to break out of Ireland (41:00), the incredible story involving a lost guitar, Joe Biden and performing for Barack Obama (43:00), his memories of supporting Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Oasis (55:00) and much more, this is a enlightening conversation with a true gent of Irish music.   To hear this episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 350 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Supp